Big Weekend

In need of things to do this weekend? Come see the biggest stars of tennis in action and enjoy food from local restaurants and family-friendly entertainment during the Western & Southern Open. Then keep the cheering going when you watch the Cincinnati Reds take on the San Francisco Giants.

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Live Music off the Beaten Path

Get the inside scoop on four hidden gem venues with rockin' live music.

Madison LIVE

You may know where to go to see a great national show in Cincinnati USA: Riverbend, The Madison Theater, Bogart’s, and The Southgate House Revival among others. But what about the unpublicized spots where all the locals flock to hear great live music? We want to help you find the perfect fit for your musical tastes. Here are four intimate venues to catch amazing music almost every night of the week!

The Drinkery

1150 Main Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202The Drinkery in downtown Cincinnati books some of the most eclectic music in all of the city. It may not be as new as other venues included in this list, but we feel the need to mention the amount of solid bands that are booked there on a weekly basis. It's a great place to find diverse national, regional and local bands. And be sure to admire the artwork. Gerald Shell of The Drinkery creates a lot of the artwork himself and allows other local artists to hang their work for sale, as well.

Madison LIVE

734 Madison Avenue, Covington, KY 41011Madison LIVE is located in Covington, Ky., right next to The Madison Theater. The venue books slightly smaller-named acts than The Madison Theater and houses two stages with the upstairs stage actually being outside! The space is truly unique and the bands that are booked are top-notch. It’s a chance to get up close and personal with the up-and-coming bands who, on their next tours, will most likely be playing the big stage at The Madison Theater. On the main floor, pay attention to the photos on the walls – they are concert photos from CincyMusic.com photographers! While Madison LIVE doesn't serve food, you can order from Backstage Cafe a few doors down.

Northside Yacht Club

4231 Spring Grove Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45223Northside Yacht Club is a newer edition to Cincinnati (opened in August 2015). With a nautical theme inspired by the 1937 Ohio River flood, the renovated space is ready to be your music destination. NSYC has a fantastic menu that includes items like house smoked pulled pork and vegan lentil Cincinnati chili fries – even the Bloody Marys are a meal in their own right. You can enjoy the patio for dinner and drinks, then venture inside to check out the bands. National, regional and local acts play on weekends and some weeknights. Most nights there is no cover.

Urban Artifact

1662 Blue Rock Street, Cincinnati, OH 45223Another fantastic venue in Northside, Urban Artifact is housed in an old church. Not only is it a music venue but also a brewery! Eat before you come – Urban Artifact is a full-service taproom, full bar and live music venue that specializes in brewing sour and wild beers, but no food menu. Enjoy live music every night of the week here with no cover charge.

Urban Artifact Brewery

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Courtney Phenicie is a writer and Editor in Chief of CincyMusic.com, a local music resource dedicated to improving Cincinnati's vibrant music scene. If you can’t find her at the Famous Neon’s Unplugged with her dog, Matilda … check The Southgate House Revival or Casablanca in Northside.